Government Rebates and Tax Credits

A Guide to 2024 Federal Tax Credits for New HVAC Systems

When your heating or cooling system decides to give up on you, it can really throw your day off course. Here at Call Dad, we get how annoying and stressful that can be. But guess what? There’s a bright side! Not only can you get your system back up and running, but you can also upgrade to something more efficient and snag some sweet tax incentives. Let's dive into the details.

_{Inflation Reduction Act - What’s It About?}

On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, marking a significant milestone in clean energy and climate action. This law brings expanded tax credits for homeowners making energy-efficient upgrades, which is excellent news if you want to improve your HVAC system.

_{Energy Tax Credits - How Do They Help?}

Energy tax credits are like a high-five from the government for making green choices. By switching from traditional fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources, you can earn credits to help offset the initial cost of your new, energy-efficient HVAC equipment. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet.

_{Updated Energy Efficiency Standards}

In 2017, the Department of Energy updated energy efficiency standards for heating and cooling equipment, effective January 2023. Here’s a quick rundown:

- SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2): Measures how efficiently your HVAC system cools. Higher SEER2 means better efficiency.

- EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2): Calculates AC efficiency by dividing cooling capacity by electric input under specific conditions.

HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) shows the heating efficiency of heat pumps by comparing heating output to electricity used.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) indicates how efficiently a gas furnace or boiler converts fuel into heat.

_{HVAC Tax Incentives - What Can You Get?}

Thanks to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement initiative, homeowners can access enhanced tax credits to invest in high-efficiency systems. These credits can significantly cut down the costs of HVAC upgrades and lower utility bills, all while promoting cleaner energy. Here’s a closer look:

_{Air-Source Heat Pumps}

These pumps are efficient for both heating and cooling your home year-round. Starting in 2023, you can get a tax credit of 30% of the installation costs for air-source heat pumps up to $2,000. Qualifying criteria include:

- SEER2 rating of 16 or higher

- EER2 rating of 12 or higher

- HSPF2 rating of 9 or higher

_{Central Air Conditioning}

Central air conditioners are essential for keeping homes cool and comfy in warmer regions. Systems purchased or installed in 2023 or later may qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the project cost, capped at $600. Eligible systems include:

- Split systems with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher

- Energy Star-certified packaged systems

_{Gas & Oil Furnaces}

Gas and oil furnaces are famous for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Homeowners can get a tax credit of 30% of installation costs, up to $600 for qualifying furnaces:

- Gas furnaces must be Energy Star-certified with an AFUE of 97% or greater.

- Oil furnaces must be Energy Star-certified and approved for use with fuel containing at least 

20% biodiesel, renewable diesel, or second-generation biofuel.

_{Checking Eligibility and Applying for Tax Credits}

Check for the Energy Star certification to find out if your HVAC system qualifies for a tax credit. Even if your current system doesn’t meet the new standards right away, upgrading sooner can save you money on energy bills and benefit the environment.

You can claim these credits on IRS Form 5695 when filing your federal income taxes between 2023 and 2032. Be sure to consult your tax professional to ensure you file correctly and maximize your HVAC tax credit.

_{Call Dad – Your HVAC Experts}

At Call Dad, we understand that dealing with HVAC issues can be stressful. That’s why we’re here to provide honest, straightforward, and professional service with a touch of fun. Our experienced technicians will answer your questions, recommend the best options for your home, and help you secure all available financial incentives. And don’t worry, we’ll throw in some dad jokes to keep things light. Give us a call today and let’s get your home back to being cool and comfortable in no time.

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